Is weight loss a natural side effect of cancer?

April 5th, 2009 | by admin |
Erik C asked:

I don’t mean a side effect of chemo or radiation therapy, I mean does having a tumor (malignant or benign) usually lead to weight loss? Or would something else be the cause.

Hector

  1. 4 Responses to “Is weight loss a natural side effect of cancer?”

  2. By Dr. House on Apr 8, 2009 | Reply

    Jane

    Yes, cancer can cause weight loss. Hepatocellular carcinoma, for example, is known to cause weight loss and is one of the symptoms to look for.

  3. By KY Physician on Apr 11, 2009 | Reply

    Juanita

    yes, cancers are rapidly growing and dividing masses of cells and they will feed themselves at the expense of the rest of the body. wasting and emaciation are signs of advanced cancer of many different types. benign tumors generally dont cause weight loss, with the possible exception of a benign hyperfunctioning thyroid tumor. that said, weight loss alone isnt necessarily a sign of cancer, but unexpected or undesired weight loss should definitely be investigated by a physician.

  4. By joseph.hussein.foust on Apr 12, 2009 | Reply

    Jon

    Yes. Because of their higher metabolism, cancer cells gobble up nutrional resources faster than regular cells, and this often results in unanticipated weight loss in a cancer patient…

    Not always, though. I was a fat pig before I got cancer, remained a fat big throughout my treatments, and I’m still a fat pig seven years later…

  5. By Emerald Eyes on Apr 14, 2009 | Reply

    Heather

    Could be anything. Thyroid , infection, bowel. Go to your Dr. for a complete check up. Only he/she can properly diagnose the problem. Good Luck.

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